Phallogocentrism in Literature & Literary Theory

Phallogocentrism: Etymology, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term: Phallogocentrism is a compound term combining “phallo,” referring to the phallus or penis, and “logocentrism,” derived from “logos,” meaning word or discourse, and “centrism,” denoting a focus on a central point. Coined by French feminist philosopher Luce Irigaray in the late 20th century, the term critiques the dominance of masculine perspectives and language in shaping discourse and culture.

Meanings and Concept:

• Male-Centric Language: Phallogocentrism highlights the privileging of male perspectives and experiences in language and discourse, often marginalizing or subjugating feminine voices and viewpoints.
• Patriarchal Power Structures: It elucidates how patriarchal power structures reinforce themselves through language, perpetuating gender inequalities and hierarchies.
• Binary Thinking: Phallogocentrism critiques the tendency towards binary thinking, where concepts are understood in oppositional terms (masculine/feminine, rational/emotional), with the masculine often positioned as superior.
• Critique of Western Philosophy: In the context of Western philosophy, phallogocentrism challenges the assumption of a universal, neutral language and exposes the biases inherent in philosophical discourse, particularly regarding issues of gender, sexuality, and embodiment.
• Deconstruction of Logocentrism: Phallogocentrism aligns with poststructuralist theories, advocating for the deconstruction of logocentric systems to make space for diverse voices and alternative modes of expression.

Phallogocentrism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Phallogocentrism is a theoretical term coined by feminist philosopher Luce Irigaray, representing the dominance of masculine perspectives and language in shaping discourse and culture. It critiques the inherent bias in language and thought systems that privilege male experiences while marginalizing feminine voices and viewpoints. Phallogocentrism exposes the role of patriarchal power structures in reinforcing gender inequalities and perpetuating binary thinking, advocating for the deconstruction of logocentric systems to create space for diverse perspectives and modes of expression.

Phallogocentrism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

• Luce Irigaray: French feminist philosopher who coined the term “phallogocentrism” in her works.
• Judith Butler: Influential gender theorist who explores the intersection of gender, language, and power, contributing to the critique of phallogocentrism.
• Jacques Derrida: Poststructuralist philosopher whose deconstructionist approach examines the relationship between language, power, and binary oppositions, shedding light on phallogocentric biases.

Works:

• Luce Irigaray – “This Sex Which Is Not One” (1977): Irigaray’s seminal work that critiques the male-centric language and its impact on gender identity and sexuality.
• Judith Butler – “Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity” (1990): Butler’s influential text challenges phallogocentrism by questioning the stability of gender categories and their construction through language.
• Jacques Derrida – “Of Grammatology” (1967): Derrida’s groundbreaking work examines the relationship between writing, speech, and power structures, deconstructing logocentric biases inherent in Western philosophy.

Arguments:

• Language and Power: Phallogocentrism argues that language serves as a tool of power, perpetuating patriarchal dominance by privileging masculine perspectives and marginalizing feminine voices.
• Gender Binaries: Phallogocentrism critiques the construction of binary gender categories (male/female) reinforced through language, which often excludes non-binary and gender-nonconforming identities.
• Deconstruction: Scholars advocating against phallogocentrism, such as Irigaray and Butler, propose deconstructing logocentric systems to challenge hierarchical power structures and create space for diverse gender expressions and identities.

Phallogocentrism: Major Characteristics

• Language and Power Dynamics: Phallogocentrism highlights the inherent power dynamics in language, where male-centric discourse dominates and reinforces patriarchal hierarchies. This is exemplified in literature through works where male authors construct narratives that prioritize masculine perspectives, relegating female characters to subordinate roles. For instance, in William Shakespeare’s “Othello,” the character of Desdemona is largely defined through the lens of male characters, reflecting the phallogocentric nature of the play’s patriarchal society.
• Binary Thinking and Gender Norms: Phallogocentrism perpetuates binary thinking by enforcing rigid gender norms and dichotomous categorizations of masculinity and femininity. Literary works often reflect and reinforce these binaries, portraying male characters as strong, rational, and dominant, while female characters are depicted as weak, emotional, and submissive. In Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre,” the eponymous protagonist challenges phallogocentric gender norms by asserting her independence and agency in a society that expects women to conform to passive roles.
• Critique of Authorship and Representation: Phallogocentrism critiques the traditional notion of authorship, which historically privileges male writers and their perspectives, while marginalizing or erasing female voices. This is evident in canonical literature where male authors dominate the literary canon, overshadowing the contributions of female writers. Virginia Woolf’s essay “A Room of One’s Own” serves as a critique of phallogocentrism in literature, advocating for women’s access to education and resources to empower their creative expression and representation in literary discourse.

These characteristics underscore the pervasive influence of phallogocentrism in literature, perpetuating gender inequalities and reinforcing patriarchal ideologies through language and representation.

Phallogocentrism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Phallogocentrism
Feminist Criticism	Phallogocentrism is central to feminist criticism as it highlights the dominance of masculine perspectives in literature, the marginalization of female voices, and the reinforcement of patriarchal power dynamics through language and representation.
Postcolonial Criticism	In postcolonial criticism, phallogocentrism intersects with colonial power structures, where Western masculine ideologies and language impose themselves on colonized cultures, further perpetuating gender and cultural hierarchies.
Queer Theory	Phallogocentrism plays a role in queer theory by critiquing heteronormative assumptions and binary gender constructions in literature, and examining how queer voices and identities are marginalized or erased within dominant discourse.
Marxist Criticism	Within Marxist criticism, phallogocentrism can be seen as reinforcing class hierarchies, with patriarchal language and ideologies serving the interests of the ruling class while suppressing dissenting voices and perpetuating false consciousness.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Phallogocentrism is relevant in psychoanalytic theory as it intersects with Freudian concepts of the phallus as a symbol of power and authority, influencing gender identity formation and the construction of desire and subjectivity in literature.

Phallogocentrism thus permeates various literary theories, informing analyses of power dynamics, representation, and identity in literature.

Phallogocentrism: Application in Critiques

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Phallogocentrism manifests in the portrayal of male characters like Mr. Darcy, embodying patriarchal ideals of wealth and status, while female characters like Elizabeth Bennet are constrained by societal expectations. Austen critiques phallogocentric norms by highlighting the agency and intelligence of her female protagonists, challenging the notion of male superiority in marriage and society.
2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin: Chopin’s novel explores the constraints of phallogocentrism on female autonomy and sexuality in the late 19th century. The protagonist, Edna Pontellier, rebels against traditional gender roles imposed by patriarchal society, seeking independence and self-fulfillment outside the confines of marriage and motherhood. The novel critiques phallogocentric norms by exposing the limitations placed on women’s agency and desire.
3. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: Conrad’s novella reflects the phallogocentric attitudes prevalent in European imperialism, where masculine power is equated with dominance and control over colonized peoples and lands. The character of Kurtz embodies the destructive influence of phallogocentrism, representing the unchecked ambition and brutality of Western patriarchal ideologies. Conrad’s work critiques the dehumanizing effects of phallogocentric imperialism on both colonizers and the colonized.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: Atwood’s dystopian novel explores the extreme consequences of phallogocentrism taken to its logical conclusion, where women are reduced to reproductive vessels under a totalitarian patriarchal regime. The novel critiques phallogocentric power structures by depicting the systematic oppression and subjugation of women’s bodies and voices, highlighting the dangers of unchecked male dominance and control.

In each of these works, phallogocentrism serves as a lens through which to analyze power dynamics, gender roles, and the limitations imposed by patriarchal ideologies on individual agency and freedom.

Phallogocentrism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Androcentrism	Focus on male experiences, marginalizing female perspectives.
Patriarchy	Social system where men hold primary power and dominate.
Heteronormativity	Assumption of heterosexuality as the norm.
Masculinism	Advocacy of men’s rights, often reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Phallocentrism	Overemphasis on the phallus as a symbol of power.
Logocentrism	Central role of language in structuring thought and reality.
Essentialism	Belief in inherent characteristics defining categories like gender.
Hegemonic Masculinity	Dominant idealized form of masculinity reinforcing male power.
Binary Opposition	Conceptualizing phenomena in mutually exclusive terms.
Gender Performativity	Theory that gender is a social construct performed through actions.

Phallogocentrism: Suggested Readings

• Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
• Irigaray, Luce. This Sex Which Is Not One. Cornell University Press, 1985.
• Kristeva, Julia. Desire in Language: A Semiotic Approach to Literature and Art. Columbia University Press, 1980.
• Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: The First Complete Edition in English. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.
• Mulvey, Laura. Visual and Other Pleasures. Indiana University Press, 1989.